Posted Wed Jun 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM PDT by Tom Landy
Sam Peckinpah's 1977 World War II classic Cross of Iron starring James Coburn, James Mason, and David Warner has received a new 4K restoration with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook, Blu-ray, and DVD available on July 31.
Based on the novel by Willi Heinrich, Sam Peckinpah’s (THE WILD BUNCH) only war film is an intense and uncompromising affair that brilliantly reflects both the futility of conflict and the director’s fascination with individuals confronted by events beyond their control.
A World War II tale told from the German perspective, CROSS OF IRON follows a platoon of German soldiers in Russia when the German Wehrmacht forces had been decimated and the Germans were retreating along the Russian front. Rolf Steiner (James Coburn) is a German corporal and recipient of the Iron Cross who has grown disenchanted with Hitler’s war machine. When Captain Stransky (Maximilian Schell) assumes charge, the pair are thrown into immediate conflict, the autocratic but ultimately cowardly Stransky coveting the loyalty and honour Steiner commands.
Evocatively shot by John Coquillon (BILLY THE KID) in sombre tones, the superlative lead performances are matched by David Warner and James Mason as war-weary senior officers. Viewed as one of Peckinpah’s most powerful works, it’s an unflinching vision of the Second World War.
Cross of Iron has been described by Orson Welles as "one of the greatest anti-war films ever made" and co-stars Maximilian Schell and Senta Berger. Studiocanal has given the 1977 classic based on the book by Will Heinrich a new 4K restoration and will also be available on DVD and digital on the same date.
Cross of Iron (Studiocanal) - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray [SteelBook]
![Cross of Iron (Studiocanal) - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray [SteelBook]](https://cdn2.highdefdigest.com/media/2023/06/14/660/119050/cross-of-iron-studiocanal-vintage-classics-4kuhd-steelbook.png)
4K UHD Steelbook, Blu-Ray & DVD Extras
133 mins approx (UHD / Blu-Ray) / 128 mins approx (DVD)
English Language/ Cert: 18 / Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired
Now up for pre-order - no word on audio or HDR grade (if any) yet but we've made inquiries and we'll update as soon as we know more.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.
